KUCHING: The late Michael Riman Bugat was described as a warrior by Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Ser Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He Michael was a recipient of the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) medal, Malaysia’s second highest gallantry award, which he received from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 6, 1984.
“It is the courage and bravery of individuals like Riman that we can achieve the peace and harmony that we have today. I am very saddened by his passing, may he rest in peace and my deepest condolences and sympathy to his family,” he said after paying his last respects to Riman today at the Civic Centre here.
Abdul Karim was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting.
At the same time, Abdul Karim said he had the opportunity to meet with the late Riman on several occasions such as during the recent Sarawak 60th Independence celebration.
The late Riman was among the veteran military personnel who took part in the parade during the celebration at Padang Merdeka.
“We also met during the inauguration of the Kampung Jangkar Memorial Monument, and I found him to be a very pleasing and humble gentleman,” he said.
The burial service is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Aug 10) and he will be laid to rest at the Heroes Grave.
Also present to pay his late respects was former state secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
